Universal Music Poland has acquired the catalogue business of Polish music company Kayax Records.
The deal covers the global recording rights to the label's catalogue, plus Kayax Records brand rights.
It will also see Universal Music Poland and Kayax’s separate management business, Kayax Management, enter a strategic partnership focused on the joint development of established artists and emerging talent.
Founded in 2001, Kayax Records' roster includes Smolik, Zakopower, Nosowska, Krzysztof Zalewski, Natalia Przybysz, Maria Peszek, Brodka, Artur Rojek, Mery Spolsky and Karaś/Rogucki, while its catalogue includes recordings by countless award-winning artists from the Polish music scene.
“This is an exciting transaction for Universal Music Poland," said Maciej Kutak, CEO Poland & SVP Central Eastern Europe, Universal Music Group. "From the very beginning I have admired Kayax Record’s ability to combine artistic integrity with commercial success, while consistently discovering and nurturing some of the most important voices in contemporary Polish music.
"Combining Universal Music's global expertise with the experience of the Kayax Management team will help create new opportunities for both established artists and the next generation of talent. This is another important step in delivering our mission of connecting Polish artists with fans around the world.”
We will continue strengthening our position by providing comprehensive artist management while expanding our roster with promising new talent and the next generation of artists
Tomasz "Tomik" Grewiński, Kayax Records/Kayax Management
Tomasz "Tomik" Grewiński, founder of Kayax Records and MD of Kayax Management, added: “For more than 20 years, we built Kayax Records together with extraordinary artists, creating a catalogue that has become an important part of the history of contemporary Polish music. I am confident that Universal Music Poland will provide this body of work with the best possible foundation for its continued growth.
"Kayax Management is entering a new chapter. Together with my team, we want to focus even more on what we do best: developing the careers of the artists we represent and building their personal brands. We will continue strengthening our position by providing comprehensive artist management while expanding our roster with promising new talent and the next generation of artists."
Following completion of the deal, Kayax Records will retain its identity as Universal Music Poland's fourth label. Paweł Tetłak will assume the role of head of Kayax Records, while Jakub Barzak will oversee both Kayax Records and Polydor Recordings Poland.
